As Luke and Gareth prepared to leave the cathedral, a thought crossed Luke's mind. He turned to Gareth, voicing his concern.
"Hey, Gareth, I still don't have a place to stay tonight. What should I do?"
Gareth paused, considering the situation.
"You're right. We should talk to Father Wingate again. Maybe he can help."
They made their way back to the secluded room where they had first met Father Wingate. The old priest looked up from his book as they entered, a welcoming smile on his face.
"Father Wingate," Gareth began. "There's something we need to discuss. Luke here has no money and no place to stay the night. The barracks are for knights, and he doesn't have the means to afford an inn. Is there any way he could stay here, at least for tonight?"
"Of course, Gareth. Luke is welcome to stay here with us. We have plenty of room, and it would be our pleasure to host him," Father Wingate's eyes softened with understanding.
"Thank you so much, Father. I appreciate it," relief washed over Luke as he thanked Father Wingate.
"Thank you, Father Wingate. I'll make sure to return to the barracks now," Gareth nodded in agreement.
Luke, however, wasn't ready to part ways just yet.
"Gareth, I'll come with you," he insisted. "Your leg is still healing, and I don't want you to have any trouble on the way back."
Gareth hesitated, not wanting to burden Luke, but the determination in Luke's eyes made him relent.
"Alright, you win. Let's head back together."
They left the cathedral, the evening air cool against their skin as they walked through the now quieter streets of Purewood. The city seemed to change its character at night, the bustling energy of the day replaced by a serene calm. Lanterns flickered softly, casting gentle pools of light along their path.
As they walked, Luke took in the details he had missed earlier. The city felt more intimate on foot, each building and alleyway revealing its unique charm. The air carried the mingled scents of wood smoke and blooming flowers, and the occasional sound of laughter or conversation drifted from open windows.
"Purewood is something else," Luke mused. "It feels different now that we're walking."
"It's a special place. It has its quirks," Gareth smiled, though his steps were cautious.
They continued their journey, the castle looming ahead, its silhouette a familiar yet imposing sight. The barracks were nestled beside it, a sturdy structure that seemed to promise safety and camaraderie.
Upon reaching the barracks, Gareth turned to Luke.
"Thanks for walking with me, Luke. I appreciate it."
"No problem. Just wanted to make sure you got back safely," Luke shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips.
"We'll catch up tomorrow. Rest well at the cathedral," As they stood at the entrance, Gareth extended his hand.
"You too, Gareth. Take care of that leg," Luke shook his hand firmly.
As they stood at the entrance of the barracks, about to leave each other goodnight, Luke leaned in closer to Gareth, his voice dropping to a whisper.
"Gareth, about my secret... about my so-called magic abilities. Are you sure no one else knows? And you understand, right? I'm not a real mage."
"I understand, Luke. You're not like the mages we know. I've seen it with my own eyes—what you do isn't magic in the traditional sense. It's more like clever tricks and illusions. You're just a normal person with a unique talent," Gareth nodded, his expression serious yet reassuring.
Luke felt a wave of relief wash over him at Gareth's words. The weight of his secret, the burden of maintaining his facade, had been heavy. Yet here was Gareth, understanding and supportive.
"But what about your idea of making me the city's mage?" Luke asked a hint of anxiety in his voice.
"Honestly, I haven't given up on that idea yet so I put that on hold for now. I won't force you. Right now, the most important thing is that you're safe and you have a place to stay. Don't worry, I won't tell a soul about you, your background, your abilities, or that strange device you call a phone," Gareth gave a small smile.
"Thank you, Gareth. I appreciate it," Luke exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"Get some rest, Luke. We'll figure everything out in due time," Gareth gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
With a nod, Luke turned and began to make his way back to the cathedral. The night was calm, the path illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns. As he walked, he felt a sense of peace. He had a friend in Gareth, someone who understood and accepted him, secrets and all. It was a rare gift, and Luke was grateful for it.
As Luke returned to the cathedral, he noticed Father Wingate waiting for him by the main entrance. The old priest smiled warmly and beckoned Luke to follow him. They walked down the dimly lit hall, the flickering candlelight casting soft shadows on the walls.
"I'm sorry, Luke," Father Wingate began, his voice gentle. "The only room we have available is in the orphanage, with the children. There are some spare beds that you can use. If that's not to your liking, you can take my room, and I'll sleep with the children instead."
"It's fine, really. The kids have been very friendly. One of them even gave me a new spoon during dinner," Luke shook his head immediately.
"Thank you for understanding. The children can be quite lively, but they mean well," Father Wingate paused, seeming relieved.
They continued walking until Father Wingate suddenly stopped in front of a door.
"Wait here for a moment, please," he said before disappearing into the room. When he returned, he held a book tightly to his chest. Luke didn't ask about it, assuming it was something the priest liked to read before bed.
As they resumed their walk in silence, Father Wingate eventually broke it, his tone more serious.
"Luke, if you don't mind me asking, where do you come from?"
The question caught Luke off guard, and he felt a surge of panic. Had Father Wingate somehow discovered his secret? He tried to stammer out an answer, but before he could, the priest continued, his voice softer.
"I don't want to impose on you if you don't wish to answer. I'm simply curious. Your appearance is different from ours, especially your striking hair colour."
Luke's panic began to subside. He realized that Father Wingate's curiosity was genuine and not accusatory. The priest went on.
"I've noticed that you sometimes seem lost, looking around before doing anything, as if you're unsure of what to do next. It's as though you're waiting for others to show you the right way."
Taking a deep breath, Luke decided to give a partial truth.
"I come from a place far, far away. Beyond the sea, maybe."
"Beyond the sea? That's quite a journey. Then how come you to the east?" Father Wingate's eyes widened slightly.
"That's a question I've been asking myself as well. It seemed like I lost my memory. I only remember bits and pieces," Luke nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for lying.
"I'm sorry to hear that. We won't speak of it anymore if it troubles you. You have a place here now, and that's what matters," The priest's expression softened even more.
Luke felt a surge of gratitude. Despite the many lies he had to tell, the warmth and acceptance he found in this strange city were genuine. He smiled at Father Wingate.
"Thank you."
They continued walking down the hallway, the silence now companionable. When they reached the orphanage, Father Wingate led Luke to a small, cosy room filled with several beds. The children were already asleep, their soft breaths creating a soothing ambience.
"Here we are," Father Wingate whispered. "The room to the left is where you should go, the boys are in there. This door to the right is for the girls. And down this hallway, you can find the lavatories. And Sister Maria's room is there as well if you need help with anything. I'll leave you to settle in. If you need anything, Sister Maria's room and mine are just down the hall."
Luke nodded, whispering his thanks. As he watched Father Wingate slowly walk down the hallway more, he marvelled at how quickly things had changed. From the chaos of his arrival to the warmth of the cathedral, he felt a sense of belonging. And for now, that was enough.
The talk with Gareth, about the magic thing, is still a thing he needs to solve. And while his main quest here is to try and get himself to the Empire of Virencia, there's a whole lot of adventure ahead for Luke to go through before reaching his destination.
Still, for now, Luke ought to rest. He simply can't do anything if he is tired, as his mind will not work as properly as it should. After all, he is a normal human like the rest.